3 fast and healthy microwave snacks you can cook in a mug

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Fall is finally here and with the kids back at school, most parents don't have time to prepare healthy snacks for themselves or their families. Thankfully, you can get creative with your microwave. In fact, aside from using less energy, there may be several health benefits to cooking using your microwave.

Rob Rees, Le Gavroche-trained chef and chair of the Children's Food Trust told BBC Food that vegetables cooked in a microwave are "steamed gently (and) they're cooked very quickly. They preserve their colour and their texture. The process is quicker; you're not boiling it away for hours and hours on end."

Richard Ehrlich, chair of The Guild of Food Writers, also told BBC Food that microwave cooking is, "a relaxing way of cooking. You don't need to worry about timing. It fits itself in well to the hustle and bustle of family life."

Here are some recipes to try with your microwave.

1. Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Who said oatmeal can only be eaten during breakfast? Oatmeal is so versatile that you can eat it as an after-workout snack or even dinner, for those who are trying to lose weight and avoid evening rice meals. The Food Network reports that this recipe contains cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber, which is great for a healthy digestive system.

All you need for this recipe: 1 cored and coarsely chopped, 1 cup rolled oats, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, a pinch of kosher salt, 2 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, and 1/4 cup toasted pecans.

Using a microwave-safe bowl, combine the apple, oats, cinnamon and salt. Stir in the water before covering with a tight fitting lid. Heat this in the microwave for around eight minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the apples are soft. Stir in the maple syrup and top with pecan nuts before serving.

2. Chocolate-Strawberry Hugs Oatmeal

Another alternative to your mug of oatmeal is this recipe by Chocolate Covered Katie, whose two-step method yields a hearty breakfast food.

All you need for this recipe: 40g of raw oats, 1 cup of frozen strawberries, pinch of salt, 1 cup or water or milk, 1 to 3 tablespoons of creamer, and chocolate chips (you can opt for crushed dark chocolate if you want to make it even healthier).

In the evening of the day before, mix in the oats, salt, and water and microwave for about 3 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes before transferring to the refrigerator, without any cover. The following day, whip it out and mix in the rest of the ingredients. Microwave the mixture until the strawberries are melted. You can even top it with nuts.

3. Carrot and Ginger Soup

Make this hearty soup recipe by Health in just 3 minutes and get your daily dose of health benefits from carrots and ginger.

All you need for this recipe: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 medium carrots chopped into bits, 1 1/2 teaspoon chopped garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger, 1/2 cup water, and sea salt.

Combine all the ingredients in a large mug, cover loosely, and microwave for 60 seconds. Stir the mixture and microwave for another 45 to 60 seconds. Once done, blend the mixture in a high-speed blender until smooth. Pour back into mugs and serve.